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Volunteer Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Eckerd Connects

Career Counselor

Washington, DC · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Voluntary term life insurance * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer * PTO Exchange Annual Salary: $45,000-$50,000 Duties and Responsibilities * The Career Counselor is ...

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Volunteer Counselor information

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$8

$19

$34

How much do volunteer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer counselor in Silver Spring, MD is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer Counselor vs Professional Counselor?

AspectVolunteer CounselorProfessional Counselor
CredentialsOften no formal certification; may have basic trainingRequires state licensure and advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate)
Work EnvironmentNon-profit organizations, community centers, crisis hotlinesHospitals, private practices, mental health clinics
Employer & IndustryNon-profit, community service, mental health supportHealthcare, mental health, private practice
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles vs paid professionalsCareer development, licensing, qualifications

Volunteer Counselors provide support and guidance without formal licensure, often in community or non-profit settings. Professional Counselors hold advanced degrees and licensure, working in clinical environments. The main difference lies in credentials, scope of practice, and employment settings.

What qualifications do you need to be a volunteer counselor?

To be a volunteer counselor, individuals typically need relevant training or certification in counseling, mental health, or a related field, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Many programs also require background checks and a commitment to a specific schedule or hours. Requirements can vary depending on the organization and the type of counseling provided.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, basic counseling training, and a strong understanding of ethical guidelines. Familiarity with case management systems and completion of relevant certifications, such as crisis intervention or mental health first aid, are typically expected. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding counselors apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building trust, supporting individuals in distress, and ensuring responsible, effective assistance.

How to be a volunteer counselor?

To become a volunteer counselor, you typically need relevant training or certification in counseling or a related field, such as a mental health or social work degree. Many organizations require background checks and offer training programs to develop counseling skills, and volunteers often commit to a specific schedule or hours based on the organization's needs.

What are some common challenges volunteer counselors face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively navigate these situations?

Volunteer Counselors often work with individuals experiencing intense emotions, trauma, or crisis situations, which can be emotionally demanding and challenging. Navigating boundaries, managing personal stress, and ensuring appropriate referrals when issues exceed their training are critical aspects of the role. Effective Volunteer Counselors regularly participate in supervision, debrief with experienced colleagues, and utilize organizational training and resources to maintain their own well-being while providing quality support. Building strong communication skills and practicing self-care are essential for long-term success in this field.

What is a volunteer counselor?

Volunteer Counselors are individuals who offer their time and skills to provide guidance, support, and counseling services without receiving monetary compensation. They typically work with organizations such as schools, nonprofits, crisis centers, or community outreach programs to help people facing emotional, social, or mental health challenges. Volunteer Counselors may assist with active listening, offering advice, facilitating support groups, and connecting clients with additional resources. Their work is important in expanding access to mental health and support services for those who might not otherwise be able to afford them.
What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Volunteer Counselor jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Volunteer Counselor job openings:
Volunteer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Counselor job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,149 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

UNPAID VOLUNTEER - General Counsel

Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID)

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteers-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.
We are looking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic General Counsel to join our Director-General's Office to oversee its Legal Advisory and Governance Section comprising a number of senior and junior legal advisors. The ideal candidate is driven and experienced, and looking to make a difference to international climate change governance.
The successful candidate will provide expert and strategic legal advice to the Director-General and all BCI divisions, concerning the legal obligations and operations of BCI and assist in the minimisation of any legal risk exposure, including employment law, contract law, privacy law and competition law, etc.
Responsibilities
  • Managing the Legal Advisory Section and supervising legal advisors;
  • Providing advice on legal matters;
  • Evaluating and weighing multiple inputs and impacts of any decision or course of action;
  • Supporting the formulation or review of internal governance policies and manage the impact of external factors;
  • Drafting legal opinions, memoranda, and briefing documents;
  • Formulating formalities regarding settlements of disputes;
  • Monitoring the implementation of the legal clauses; and
  • Advise members on legal issues and risks, including corporate and charity governance, fundraising, marketing, competition, data protection, trademarks, copyright, defamation, and litigation matters, etc.

Core competencies
  • Strong analytical and research skills including critical thinking, organisational and problem-solving skills;
  • Excellent command of interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Capable of leading, mentoring and motivating legal team members;
  • Ability to work well within a team and individually; and
  • Seeking a complementary range of specialisms (charity, commercial, corporate, contract, employment, litigation, and others).

Requirements
Education &
Training
  • Formal/Professional Education (e.g. LLB or GDL); and
  • Qualified solicitor/barrister in the UK with a minimum of 10 years' post-qualification experience either private practice or in-house (at least some in-house experience is highly preferable).

Relevant
Experience
  • Proven general counsel experience in not-for-profit environment;
  • Overall broad legal knowledge (corporate law, contract law, employment law, or litigations, etc.);
  • In-depth understanding of how legal issues affect organisations;
  • Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives;
  • Experience of building constructive relationships with stakeholders; and
  • Experience of working independently and with teams to drive forward blockchain-related projects using your own initiative.

Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent English writing skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels;
  • Proven ability to effectively multitask and prioritise work;
  • Excellent problem-solving skills;
  • Excellent attention to detail and proactive attitude is an indispensable skill required for this role

General &
Specialist Knowledge
  • Excellent use of Microsoft Office 365 suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is essential to perform in this role; and
  • Some knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance and blockchain technology preferred.

Benefits
Blockchain and other emerging technologies. Climate change and sustainability. These are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is here as an expert platform to help governments, inter-governmental and regional organizations as well as relevant corporates to negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. We cement our expertise by putting in the hard work in researching, identifying, and analyzing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.
Benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and some include:
  • Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you with a sense of purpose;
  • You will advance and boost your professional career by helping you to make professional connections and giving you real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies; and
  • Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge a close connection.

Before you apply
Please apply with your CV and cover letter. If shortlisted, you will be contacted by one of our recruiters to complete assessments related to the role. If successful, you will be asked to complete an in-tray exercise based on the role you have applied for prior to an interview with the hiring manager. Please note that your details will be held in respect of GDPR compliance, for future volunteering opportunities with the BCI.

Apply